Digital animation apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A digital data processing system for generation and storage of data for controlling animated figures, similar and associated devices. Via an input console, digital and analog positioning and control information is entered into the system. A programmed general purpose digital computer accepts the entered data, formats it properly, adds identifying information and retrievably stores the data. Stored data is selectively then read out and used to control one or more animated figures and related functions. Both analog and on-off devices are controlled. In the preferred embodiment, the animated figures and related functions combine to constitute a completely controlled animated show or presentation. A monitor system continually checks the status of on-off devices throughout the system and informs the general purpose computer of off-normal conditions. By computer control, the off-normal conditions may be restored to normal and the operator notified of the off-normal condition.

United States Patent Black et al.

[ 1 Oct. 23, 1973 6/l97l Harrison 340/324 A OTHER PUBLICATIONS [75] Il'lVCl'liOl'SZ Millard G. Black, Santa Ana; Robert "Method for C ymputer Animation of Lip Move. Granada Hills; Charles ments" IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 14, Rolston, Santa Ana; William H. N 10, 34972, 235-l5l. Roberts, Corona Del Mar; Edward 11 Placemia; wimam Primary Examiner-Eugene G. Botz Glllllllllg, L05 Altos; Robe" King, Attorney-Fulwider, Patton, Rieber, Lee & Utecht Anaheim, all of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Walt Disney Productions, Burbank, ABSTRACT Calif. A digital data processing system for generation and [22] Ffled Jan 11 1971 storage of data for controlling animated figures, similar and associated devices. Via an input console, digi- [21] Appl. No.: 105,597 tal and analog positioning and control information is entered into the system. A programmed general pur- 52 us. Cl 235/151, 340/324 R, 340/1725, f P entered. data [79,100 2 S mats it properly, adds identifying information and re trievably stores the data. Stored data is selectively [51] Int. Cl. G05b 15/100 h d d d l l {58] Field of Search 40/l06.3, 106.36, m w 40/28 3. [7900 2 340/324 A 172 mated figures and related functions. Both analog and 318/567, 568, 62464, 17; 235/151, 151. on-off devices are controlled. In the preferred embodils L1 1 ment, the animated figures and related functions c0mbine to constitute a completely controlled animated z'izrkszhz'sziafisrsl 2,2230; 2:120:03? UNITED STATES PATENTS tem and informs the general purpose computer of off- 3,567,9l4 3/1971 Neese et al. 235/l51.l normal conditions, By computer control, the Offfi t lfy normal conditions may be restored to normal and the enwor y 3,46l,4$7 8/1969 Kawamura et al 340/l'74.l R X operator noufied of the off normal condition 3,479,647 ll/l969 Cohen et al. 340/l72.5 131 Claims, 31 Drawing Figures mac f eimr: P1! 14 ccwrflal raw/M 16 UNIT wv/r 1mm: I i p -12? COMPt/Tll PAIENIED IICI 23 ms sum 01 or 21 4 rraeA/svs PATENTEB IICI 2 3 I973 SIIEEI 030$ 21 PATENTEB MI 2 3 1973 sum 11 or 21 mmowkh PATENTEUUCI 2 3 I975 SHEEI IBM 21 

1. In a system for controlling sequential operation of devices comprising an animated presentation in response to transmitted data, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data, said devices connected to control said animated presentation, means for transmitting a plurality of units of positioning data and a plurality of units of addresses, wherein each of said data units is associated with one of said address units, and means connected to receive said transmitted units for decoding said address units and supplying each data unit to the positionable device identified by the associated address unit.
 2. The control system of claim 1, further comprising, means connected to said transmitting means for determining the time and sequence of transmission of said plurality of units of positioning data and associated addresses.
 3. The control system of claim 2, further comprising means controlled by arrival of groups of persons viewing said presentation at one or more predetermined points in said presentation for initiating operation of said determining means.
 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein said determining means comprises means for developing sequential data retrieval signals, controllable to develop said signals between predetermined limits, and, said initiating means initiates development of said signals beginning at one predetermined limit.
 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein, said developing means comprises digital counter means, and, said initiating means controls said counter to begin counting from its lowest limit.
 6. The control system of claim 4, wherein said developing means comprises one or more digital counter means, equal in number to said predetermined points.
 7. The control system of claim 6, further comprising, means connected between said initiating means and each of said counters for controlling each of said counters to repeat their counting sequence a predetermined number of times.
 8. The control system of claim 2, wherein said determining means conprises counter means for developing sequenced retrieval signals at a controllable rate.
 9. The control system of claim 8, further comprising, means to start and stop operation of said counter means.
 10. The system of claim 2, wherein said determining means further controls transmission of said data units and associated address units in synchronism with transmission of recorded audio signal.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said controlling means comprises, audio playback means having at least one track for sensing recorded timing signals.
 12. The control system of claim 1, wherein said transmitting means comprises, means for retrievably storing said plurality of units of positioning data and associated addresses.
 13. The control system of claim 1, wherein said transmitting means comprises, means for retrievably storing said plurality of units of positioning data and associated addresses, and, controller means for selectively retrieving units of said positioning data and associated addresses from said storing means for transmission in an order dependent upon received sequence signals, and, further comprising, means for generating said sequence signals and transmitting them to said controller means.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising, means for sensing an audio signal, and wherein said generating means generates said sequence signals in timed relation with the sensing of said audio signal.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein said generating means begins to generate said sequence signals at a time dependent upon received timing signals.
 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising means controlled by arrival of groups of persons viewing said presentation at predetermined points in said presentation for generating said tiMing signals.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said timing signal generating means comprises one or more digital counter means, each counter initiated by arrival of a group at one of said predetermined points to count to a predetermined limit.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising, means for controlling each of said counter means to repeat its counting sequence a predetermined number of times after each count is initiated.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein said generating means transmits sequence signals which are altered at a predetermined rate.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein said plurality of variably positionable devices are divided into at least two groups, and, said controller means comprises means for supplying each of said data units and associated address units only to a selected one of said groups.
 21. The system of claim 13, wherein said generating means comprises, means for retrievably storing audio signals, means for producing timing signals for use as said sequence signals, any means for synchronizing the playback of said audio signals and the production of said timing signals.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein said plurality of variably positionable devices are divided into at least two groups, and, said storing means also stores group identity units associated with at least each one of said data units and associated address units, and said transmitting means further comprises means for decoding retrieved group identity units and supplying the associated data units and address units only to the group corresponding to said decoded group identity unit.
 23. The system of claim 22, further comprising transmission storage means connected to receive said data units and associated address units from said transmitting means, and read-out means for controlling outputting of said data units and associated address units from said transmission storage means to said receiving means.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein each of said variably positionable devices comprises means for positioning a mechanical device in accordance with the value of each data unit supplied thereto.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein said transmitting means transmits said units of positioning data, associated address units and associated group identity units in digital form.
 26. The system of claim 23, wherein said read-out means outputs data in serial form and said receiving means comprises means for converting said positioning data to analog form.
 27. The system of claim 23, wherein each of said variably positionable devices comprises a hydraulic device having a position determined by the value of said supplied data unit.
 28. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for generating a sequence signal, means for altering said sequence signal at a predetermined rate, and means for supplying said sequence signal to said transmitting means for determining the order and rate of transmission of said data units and associated addresses.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein said altering ans comprises an audio signal sensing means, and said altering means changes said sequence signal at a rate in timed relation to the sensing of said audio signal.
 30. The system of claim 28, further comprising timing means for generating signals, each of which is applied to said generating means for initiating operation thereof.
 31. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said variably positionable devices comprises output circuit means for positioning a mechanical device in accordance with the value of each data unit supplied thereto.
 32. The system of claim 31, wherein each of said variably positionable devices comprises a hydraulic device having a position determined by the value of said supplied data unit.
 33. The system of claim 1, wherein said transmitting means transmits said positioning data and associated addresses in digital form.
 34. The system of claim 33, wherein said receiving means comprises means for converting said positioning data to analog form.
 35. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of variably positionable devices are divided into at least two groups, and, said transmitting means comprises, means for retrievably storing said data units and associated address units and further group identity units associated with at least each one of said data units and associated address units, means for selectively reading out from said storing means said data units, associated address units and group identity units, and means for decoding read-out group identity units and transmitting the associated data units and associated address units only to the group of devices corresponding to said decoded group identity unit.
 36. The system of claim 1, further comprising transmission storage means connected to receive said data units and associated address units from said transmitting means, and read-out means for controlling outputting of said data units and associated address units from said transmission storage means to said receiving means.
 37. In a system for controlling sequential operation of variably positionable devices in response to transmitted digital data to produce an animated presentation, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data for control of said animated presentation, said devices divided into at least two groups, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of positioning data, a plurality of units of addresses associated therewith and units of group identity information, each group identity unit being associated with blocks of at least one data unit and associated address unit, means for selectively retrieving from storage said units of group identity information, said units of positioning data and said units of associated addresses, means connected to receive all of said retrieved units for decoding said units of group identity information and supplying the associated data and address units to the group of said variably positionable devices indicated by said decoded group identity unit.
 38. The control system of claim 37, further comprising, means for generating retrieval sequence signals, and, means connecting said retrieval sequence signals to said retrieving means for controlling retrieval by said retrieving means.
 39. The control system of claim 38, wherein said generating means comprises a digital counter generating said signal at a predetermined rate.
 40. The control system of claim 39, further comprising means for determining the rate of generation of said signals.
 41. The control system of claim 38, further comprising, means controlled by arrival of groups of persons viewing said presentation at one or more predetermined points in said presentation for initiating operation of said generating means.
 42. The control system of claim 41, further comprising, means controlling said generating means to repeat its operating sequence a predetermined number of times each starting by said initiating means.
 43. The control system of claim 38, further comprising, means for transmitting an audio signal, and, wherein said generating means generates retrieval sequence signals in timed relation to the transmission of said audio signal.
 44. In a system for controlling sequential operation of variably positionable devices in response to transmitted digital data to produce an animated presentation, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data, said devices divided into at least two groups, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of positioning data, a plurality of units of addresses associated therewith, and units of group identity information, eacH group identity unit being associated with blocks of at least one data unit and associated unit, means for selectively retrieving from storage said units of group identity information, said units of positioning data and said units of associated addresses, means for sensing audio signals in synchronism with said retrieval of said units of information, data and addresses, means connected to receive all of said retrieved units for decoding said units of group identity information and supplying the associated data and address units to the group of said variably positionable devices indicated by said decoded group identity unit.
 45. The control system of claim 44, wherein said decoding means comprises second means for storing said retrieved data and address units in locations in accordance with said decoded group identity unit.
 46. The control system of claim 45, further comprises, means for selectively controlling retrieval of said units from said second storage means.
 47. The control system of claim 46, wherein said selective controlling means comprises a controlled oscillator.
 48. In a system for controlling sequential operation of variably positionable devices in response to transmitted digital data to produce an animated presentation, a plurality of receiving and decoding means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data, said devices divided into as many groups as there are receiving and decoding means with each group connected to be supplied data from a single one of said means, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of positioning data, a plurality of units of addresses associated therewith, and units of group identity information, each group identity unit being associated with blocks of at least one data unit and associated address unit, means for selectively retrieving from storage said unit of group identity information, said units of positioning data and said units of associated addresses, means connected to receive all of said retrieved units for decoding said units of group identity information and generating a group identity signal in accordance therewith, second means for retrievably storing all of said data units and associated address units in locations in accordance with said group identity signal, and means for transmitting said data and associated address units from said second storing means to the single one of said receiving and decoding means identified by said associated group identity unit.
 49. The control system of claim 48, further comprising, means for transmitting an audio signal, and, means synchronizing the transmission of said audio signal and the operation of said retrieving means.
 50. In a system for controlling sequential operation of variably positionable devices in response to transmitted digital data to produce an animated presentation. a plurality of receiving and decoding means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data, said devices divided into as many groups as there are receiving and decoding means with each group connected to be supplied data from a single one of said means, means for retrievably storing blocks of animation information, each block comprising at least one unit of animation data and at least one address unit associated therewith and for retrievably storing units of group identiy information and units of sequence information, at least one unit each of group identity and sequence information being associated with each of said blocks, means for generating sequence numbers, means connected to receive said sequence numbers for selectively retrieving blocks of animation information and associated units of group identity information having associated therewith in said storage means units of sequence iNformation equal to said received sequence numbers, means connected to receive all of said retrieved units for decoding said units of group identity information and generating a group identity signal in accordance therewith, second means for retrievably storing all of said data units and associated address units in locations in accordance with said group identity signal, and, means for transmitting said data and associated address units from said second storing means to the single one of said receiving and decoding means identified by said associated group identity unit.
 51. The system of claim 50, further comprising, means for transmitting audio signals in timed relation with said generation of sequence numbers.
 52. In a system for controlling sequential operation of variably positionable devices in response to transmitted digital data to produce an animated presentation, a plurality of receiving and decoding means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data, said devices divided into as many groups as there are receiving and decoding means with each group connected to be supplied data from a single one of said means, means for retrievably storing blocks of animation information, each block comprising at least one unit of animation data and at least one address unit associated therewith and for retrievably storing units of group identity information and units of sequence information, at least one unit each of group identity and sequence information being associated with each of said blocks, means for generating sequence numbers and a synchronizing signal, said signal being generating upon the generation of each different sequence number, means for retrieving from storage said blocks of animation information and associated units of group identity and sequence information upon the receipt of each of said synchronizing signals, comparator means connected to receive all blocks and units retrieved from storage for comparing each of said generated sequence numbers with each of said units of sequence information, means connected to said comparator means to control transmission of each block of data and the associated unit of group identity information for which an equal comparison of the associated unit of sequence information was made, means connected to receive said transmitted blocks and units for decoding said units of group identity information and generating a group identity signal in accordance therewith, second means for retrievably storing all of said data units and associated address units in locations in accordance with said group identity signal, and means for transmitting said data and associated address units from said second storing means to the single one of said receiving and decoding means identified by said associated group identity unit.
 53. The system of claim 52, further comprising, means for transmitting audio signals in synchronism with the said retrieval of said blocks of animation information from storage.
 54. The system of claim 53, wherein said audio signal transmitting means comprises first means for sensing recorded audio signals, second means for sensing recorded timing signals, and, means for supplying said timing signals to said sequence number generating means.
 55. The system of claim 54, wherein said first and second sensing means comprises first and second tape playback means.
 56. The system of claim 55, further comprising, means located in the area of the animated presentation for audibly reproducing said sensed audio signals.
 57. In a system for controlling sequential operation of devices in response to transmitted digital data, a plurality of output circuit means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to the output of one of said output circuit means, mEans for transmitting an audio signal, means for transmitting a plurality of units of positioning data and a plurality of units of addresses in synchronism with said audio signal transmission, wherein each of said data units is associated with one of said address units, means connected to receive said transmitted units for decoding said address units and supplying each data unit to the output circuit means identified by the associated address unit.
 58. In a system for producing a controlled animated presentation, a plurality of first output circuit means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each device connected to be proportionally positioned according to the output developed by one of said first circuit means, each device connected mechanically to control at least one degree of movement of an animated figure or movable device, a plurality of said positionable devices combining to control substantially all proportional movement in an animated presentation, a plurality of second output circuit means, a plurality of controlled devices, each device having at least two discrete states, the state of each controlled device determined by the output developed by one of said second circuit means, a plurality of said controlled devices combining with said positionable devices to effect an animated presentation, including one or more animated figures or movable devices, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of digital control data, each data unit for control of a single one of said positionable or discrete devices, means for sensing and transmitting an audio signal, and, means for selectively retrieving from said storing means certain of said units of digital data and transmitting said retrieval unit to said output circuit means in synchronism with the content of said audio signal.
 59. In a system for producing a controlled, animated presentation, a plurality of first output circuit means, divided into at least two groups, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each device connected to be positioned proportional to the output developed by one of said first circuit means, each device connected mechanically to control at least one degree of movement of an animated figure or movable device, a plurality of said positionable devices combining to control substantially all proportional movement in an animated presentation. a plurality of second output circuit means, divided into at least two groups, a plurality of controlled devices, each device having at least two discrete states, the state of each controlled device determined by the output developed by one of said second circuit means, a plurality of said controlled devices combining with said positionable devices to effect an animated presentation, including one or more animated figures, or movable devices, means for retrievably storing blocks of animation information and units of group identity information, each of said blocks having at least one of said units associated therewith, each of said blocks comprised of at least one unit of data and an associated address unit, means for generating a retrieval signal, means for selectively retrieving and transmitting said blocks of animation information and associated group identity units in response to said retrieval signal, means for receiving said transmitted blocks and associated units, decoding each of said group identity units and transmitting the associated block of animation information to the group of said output circuit means identified by said decoded group identity unit.
 60. The control system of claim 59, further comprising, means for transmitting an audio signal in synchronism with said retrieval and transmission of said blocks of animation information and associated units.
 61. The control system of claim 60, further comprising, means located in the area of said animated presentation for audibly reproducing said transmitted audio signal.
 62. In a system for producing a controlled, animated presentation, a plurality of first output circuit means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each device connected to be positioned proportional to the output developed by one of said first circuit means, each device connected mechanically to control at least one degree of movement of an animated figure or movable device, a plurality of said positionable devices combining to control substantially all proportional movement in an animated presentation, a plurality of second output circuit means, a plurality of controlled devices, each device having at least two discrete states, the state of each controlled device determined by the output developed by one of said second circuit means, a plurality of said controlled devices combining with said positionable devices to effect an animated presentation, including one or more animated figures, or movable devices, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of digital control data and a plurality of units of addresses, each of said address units associated with at least one of said data units, means for transmitting an audio signal, means for generating a retrieval signal in timed relation to the content of said audio signal, means for selectively retrieving from storage said units of control data and associated address units under the control of said retrieval signal, means connected to receive said units for decoding each of said address units and supplying the associated data units to the output circuit means identified thereby.
 63. The control system of claim 62, further comprising, means located in the area of said animated presentation for audibly reproducing said transmitted audio signal.
 64. In a system for producing a controlled, animated presentation, a plurality of first output circuit means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each device connected to be positioned proportional to the output developed by one of said first circuit means, each device connected mechanically to control at least one degree of movement of an animated figure or movable device, a plurality of said positionable devices combining to control substantially all proportional movement in an animated presentation, a plurality of second output circuit means, a plurality of controlled devices, each device having at least two discrete states, the state of each controlled device determined by the output developed by one of said second cirucit means, a plurality of said controlled devices combining with said positionable devices to effect an animated presentation, inclduing one or more animated figures, or movable devices, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of digital control data and a plurality of units of addresses, each of said address units associated with at least one of said data units, means for synchronously sensing recorded audio signals and recorded timing signals, means connected to receive said sensed audio signals for audibly reproducing said signals in the area of said animated presentation, means connected to receive said timing signals for generating data retrieval signals therefrom, means for selectively retrieving from said storage said units of data and associated address units in response to the content and rate of change of said data retrieval signals, means connected to receive said retrieved units for decoding said address units and supplying the associated data units to the devices identified by said decoded address units.
 65. The control system of claim 64, wherein said means for synchronously sensing comprises tape playback means.
 66. In a system for producing a controlled, animated presentation, a plurality of first output circuit means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each device connected to be proportionally positioned according to the output developed by one of said first circuit means, each deVice connected mechanically to control at least one degree of movement of an animated figure or movable device, a plurality of said positionable devices combining to control substantially all proportional movement in an animated presentation, a plurality of second output circuit means, a plurality of controlled devices, each device having at least two discrete states, the state of each controlled device determined by the output developed by one of said second circuit means, a plurality of said controlled devices combining with said positionable devices to effect an animated presentation, including one or more animated figures or movable devices, means for retrievably storing a plurality of units of digital control data, each data unit for control of a single one of said first and second output circuit means, and, means for selectively retrieving from said storing means certain of said units of digital data and selectively transmitting said retrieved units to said output circuits so that each data unit is supplied to the proper single output circuit.
 67. The system of claim 66, wherein said storing means also stores a plurality of units of addresses, each of said address units associated with at least one of said data units.
 68. The system of claim 67, further comprising means connected to receive said retrieved units for decoding each of said address units and supplying the associated data units to the output circuit means identified thereby.
 69. The system of claim 68, wherein said units are transferred in serial form, and, said decoding means comprises means for converting said serial units to parallel form.
 70. The system of claim 69, wherein said decoding means further comprises, a plurality of data registers, one of said registers connected to each of said first and second output circuit means, all of said registers connected to receive each of said converted data units for storing said data units until controlled to output the unit, a plurality of address registers, one of said registers connected to each of said data registers, all of said registers connected to receive each of said converted address units for enabling the connected data register to output its contents when the received address unit has a predetermined content.
 71. The system of claim 70, wherein said variably positonable devices comprise electrical circuit means for developing an output proportional to the data unit outputted from an enabled data register, and, hydraulic cylinder means for positioning a piston in accordance with the output developed by said electrical circuit means, and, said controlled devices comprise a plurality of controlled relay circuits.
 72. The system of claim 71, wherein said units of digital data and associated addresses are in digital form, and, said electrical circuit means further comprises a digital to analog converter for converting the outputted data unit.
 73. The system of claim 72, wherein there are as many controlled relay circuits as bit positions in one of said data units.
 74. The system of claim 66, further comprising, means for controlling said retrieving means to determine the rate and sequence of transmission of said data units and associated address units to said output circuit means.
 75. The system of claim 74, further comprising, means for transmitting an audio signal to the area of said animated presentation in synchronism with the controlled transmission of said data units and associated address units.
 76. The system of claim 75, wherein, said means for transmitting comprises, first means for sensing recorded audio signals for transmission to the area of said animated presentation, and, second means for sensing recorded timing signals, and, said means for controlling comprises, means connected to receive said sensed timing signals for generating timed retrieval signals to determine the rate and respective sequence of said selEctive retrieval by said retrieving means.
 77. The system of claim 76, wherein said storing means additionally stores units of sequence information with each sequence unit associated with at least one data unit and associated address unit, and said retrieving means comprises, means to retrieve said stored sequence units upon the receipt of each different one of said timed retrieval signals, means for comparing said retrieved sequence units and said received timed retrieval signals, and, means responsive to said comparing means for generating a unit retrieval signal.
 78. The system of claim 77, further comprising means responsive to said unit retrieval signal or retrieving said unit or units of data and addresses associated with the retrieved sequence unit for which a predetermined type of comparison was made by said comparing means.
 79. The system of claim 78, wherein said output circuit means are divided into at least two groups, said storing means additionally stores units of group identity information, with each group identity unit associated with at least one data unit and associated addresss unit, and said receiving and decoding means additionally comprises means for decoding said units of group identity information and for supplying the associated data units to the group identified by said decoded group identity unit.
 80. The system of claim 66, wherein said storing means stores, in addition to said data units, a plurality of output destination units, each of said destination units associated with at least one of said data units.
 81. The system of claim 80, wherein said destination units comprise address units, each different address unit corresponding to one of said first or second output circuits.
 82. The system of claim 81, further comprising, means connected to said transferring means for receiving said retrieved data units and associated address units, decoding said address units and transmitting each data unit to the output circuit means identified by the decoded address unit.
 83. The system of claim 82, wherein said output circuits each comprise gate means connected to receive all data units transmitted by said transferring means for passing each received data unit to a connected positionable or controlled device when enabled, address register means connected to receive all address units transmitted by said treanferring means for generating a gating signal when the received address unit is coded according to a predetermiend pattern, and, means for applying the gating signal to said gate means to enable the gate means to pass the associated data unit to a connected positionable or controlled device.
 84. The system of claim 83, wherein each of said variably positionable devices comprise, means connected to receive each data unit passed by said gate means for converting said unit to a proportional signal, means connected to receive said porportional signal and generate a positional signal in accordance therewith, and, means for controlling movement of a connected mechanical body to a position in accordance with said positional signal.
 85. The system of claim 84, wherein said means for generating a positional signal comprises an amplifier means for developing an output proportional to the input proportional signal, and, said movement controlling means comprises hydraulic metering means for moving a mechanical piston to a position via metering a source of hydraulic pressure by an amount in accordance with said amplifier output.
 86. The system of claim 83, wherein each of said controlled devices comprise, at least one device capable of opening or closing an electrical circuit in accordance with all or a part of said passed data unit.
 87. The system of claim 80, wherein said first and second output circuits are divided into at least two output circuit groups, and said output destination units comprise units of group identity information, each of said identity units associated uniquely with one of said output circuit groups.
 88. The system of claim 87, further comprising, means connected to said transferring means for receiving said data units and associated group identity units, decoding said identity units and transmitting each data unit only to the output circuit group indicated by the associated group identity unit.
 89. The system of claim 87, wherein said output destination units further comprise address units, each different address unit corresponding to one of said first or second output circuits.
 90. The system of claim 89, further comprising, first means connected to said transferring means for receiving said data units, associated address units and associated group identity units, decoding said group identity units and transmitting said data units and associated address units to the group identified by the decoded group unit, and, second means connected to receive said data units and associated address units from said first decoding means for decoding said address units and transmitting each data unit to the output circuit indicated by the decoded address unit.
 91. In a system for acquisition and transmission of stored digital data in synchronism with transmission of audio signals, the combination comprising, means for retrievably storing units of digital information, means for transmitting audio signals, means for deriving retrieval signals in timed relationship to the transmitted audio signals, means connected to receive said retrieval signals for selectively retrieving from said storing means units of digital information identified for retrieval by the content of said retrieval signal, and means for transmitting said selectively retrieved units of digital information in synchronism with said audio signal.
 92. The system of claim 91, wherein, said audio signal transmitting means comprises first playback means for sensing recorded audio signals and generating an audio output therefrom, and, said retrieval signal deriving means comprises second playback means for sensing recorded timing signals recorded in timed relation with said audio signals and generating said timing signals therefrom.
 93. The system of claim 92, wherein said recorded audio signals and said recorded timing signals are recorded on the same recording medium.
 94. The system of claim 91, wherein said stored units of digital information comprise, data units corresponding to data values to be used by the system, and sequence units for time identification of said data units, each sequence unit associated with at least one of said data units.
 95. The system of claim 94, further comprising means for generating a synchronizing signal from said retrieval signal to determine the time and sequence of the synchronous transmission of each of said units of digital information.
 96. The system of claim 95, further comprising, comparator means for comparing said synchronizing signals and said retrieved sequence units and generating a comparison control signal when said signals and unit are found to be equal.
 97. The system of claim 96, wherein, said comparison control signal causes said digital information unit transmitting means to transmit all data units associated with the sequence unit found equal to said synchronizing signal.
 98. In a system for controlling sequential operation of devices in synchronism with a transmitted audio signal, the combination comprising, a plurality of output circuit means each controlling proportional operation of a variably positionable device, means for controllably transmitting a plurality of units of positioning data and a plurality of units of addresses, each address unit being associated with at least one of said data units and corresponding to one of said plurality of output circuits, means for directing each unit of said positioning data to one of said output circuits, means foR transmitting audio signals, and, means for synchronizing transmission of said audio signals and transmission of said units of positioning data and associated address units.
 99. The system of claim 98, wherein said transmitting means comprises, means for retrievably storing said units of positioning data and units of sequencing data, each said unit of sequence data associated with at least one of said data units, and means for controllably retrieving said units of positioning data and associated sequence units.
 100. The system of claim 99, wherein said synchronizing means controls the rate and sequence of retrieval of said data units and associated sequence units.
 101. The system of claim 98, wherein said directing means comprises means for decoding each received address unit and supplying said associated data unit only to the output circuit corresponding to said address unit.
 102. The system of claim 101, wherein said data units and said address units are transmitted in digital form.
 103. The system of claim 102, wherein said directing means, further comprises, means for converting the received digital data units to analog form.
 104. The system of claim 103, wherein each of said output circuits comprise means for positioning a mechanical device in accordance with the value of each data unit transmitted thereto.
 105. The system of claim 104, wherein said positioning means comprises a hydraulic device having a position determined by the value of said transmitted data unit.
 106. The system of claim 100, wherein said synchronizing means comprises means for developing timing signals in timed relationship with the transmission of said audio signals, and means for supplying said timing signals to said retrieving means to determine the rate and sequence of retrieval of said units of positioning data.
 107. The system of claim 106, wherein said audio transmitting means comprises a first playback means for reproducing recorded audio signals, and said developing means comprises a second playback means for reproducing a recorded timing signal, said first and second playback means being driven synchronously.
 108. The system of claim 106, wherein said developing means comprises, means for deriving from said timing signals a series of memory sequence signals having a value and rate directly proportional to said timing signals, and, means for developing a memory control signal upon the development of each of said memory sequence signals.
 109. The system of claim 108, wherein said supplying means comprises a comparator means for comparing two input signals and developing a control output dependent upon the relative values of the two inputs.
 110. The system of claim 109, wherein said retrieving means, upon receipt of said memory control signal, causes a read-out of said storing means, and, further comprising, means for supplying all units of said sequence data to one input of said comparator means, and, means for supplying said memory sequence signals to the second input of said comparator means, and, wherein said comparator means develops an output control signal when the two said inputs are equal.
 111. The system of claim 110, wherein said retrieving means, upon receipt of said comparator output control signal transmits to said directing means all data units associated with the sequence data unit found equal to said memory sequence signal.
 112. In a system for the acquisition and storage of data for retrieval for the purpose of control of an animated presentation, a plurality of first manually positionable means for setting in accordance with a data entry, second manually positionable means for setting in accordance with the assignment of each of said first means for the entry of data for a specific device in the presentation to be controlled, first means for generating electrical signals in accordance with each of said settings, secOnd means for generating timing signals incrementing at a predetermined rate, computer means connected to receive said electrical signals and said timing signals for developing storage output signals comprised of individual ones of said electrical signals in association with said timing signals, and, means for retrievably storing said storage output signals.
 113. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 112, wherein said plurality of first positionable means comprises, variably positionable devices for setting proportional to data values to be entered, and, discrete devices having two output states.
 114. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 113, wherein said variably positionable devices comprise electrical potentiometers, and, said discrete devices comprise switches.
 115. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 113, wherein said first generating means comprises an analog to digital converter.
 116. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 115, further comprising, controllable means connected to receive each of said generated electrical signals for scanning each of said signals and transmitting said signals in a serial fashion.
 117. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 116, wherein said computer means additionally generates control output signals, and, further comprising, terminal means connected to receive said control output signals for transmitting a signal to said scanning means for initiating an scanning sequence thereby.
 118. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 117, wherein said terminal means further comprises receiver means connected to receive said display output signals in addition to said control output signals for decoding each of said signals to direct said signals to their intended destination.
 119. The data acquisition and storage system of claim 118, wherein said display output signals and said control output signals are transmitted by said computer means in serial form, and, said receiver means comprises means for converting said received signals to parallel form.
 120. In a system for the acquisition and storage of data for retrieval for control purposes and for the control of at least one figure in an animated presentation, the combination comprising, a plurality of first output circuit means, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each device connected to be positioned proportional to the output developed by one of said first circuit means, each device connected mechanically to control at least one degree of movement of an animated figure or movable device, a plurality of said positionable devices combining to control substantially all proportional movement in an animated presentation, a plurality of second output circuit means, a plurality of controlled devices, each device having at least two discrete states, the state of each controlled device determined by the output developed by one of said second circuit means, a plurality of said controlled devices combining with said positionable devices to effect an animated presentation, including one or more animated figures, a plurality of first manually positionable means for setting in accordance with an animation data value to be entered, second manually positionable means for setting in accordance with an assignment of each of said first means for entry of data for one of said first or second output circuit means, means for generating digital electrical signals in accordance with the setting of each of said first and second positionable means, computer means connected to receive said digital electrical signals for generating storage output signals and control output signals, each of said digital electrical output signals comprised of units consisting of single ones of said digital electrical signals, means for retrievably storing said units of storage output signals, and, means for selectively supplyIng said units of control output signals to said output circuit means.
 121. The data acquisition and control system of claim 120, further comprising, means for generating timing signals at a predetermined rate, and, means supplying said timing signals to said computer means for outputting in association with said storage output signals.
 122. The data acquisition and control system of claim 121, further comprising, means for controllably scanning said digital electrical signals for transmitting said signals in serial form.
 123. The data acquisition and control system of claim 122, wherein said computer means additionally generates scan control output signals, and, said scanning means comprises means connected to receive said scan control output signals for initiating operation of said scanning sequence.
 124. The data acquisition and control system of claim 120, wherein said control output signals are comprised of units of animation data, each of such units associated with destination units corresponding to a single one of the first or second output circuit means.
 125. The data acquisition and control system of claim 124, wherein said selective supplying means comprises means connected to receive each of said data animation units for decoding said destination units and supplying the associated data units to the single one of said first and second output circuit means indicated by said decoded destination unit.
 126. In the method of controlling an animated presentation consisting of acquiring and storing animation data and retrieving the data for control of the presentation in synchronism with a reproduced sound recording, the steps of recording the audio signals to be reproduced along with timing signals, storage of animation control data in association with sequence units equal to certain ones of said recorded timing signals, retrieval of said animation data in a sequence determined by sensing the recorded timing signals and comparing them with said stored sequence units, and, control of an animated presentation with the animation data so retrieved.
 127. In the method of controlling an animated presentation consisting of acquiring and storing animation data and retrieving the data for control of the presentation in synchronism with a reproduced sound recording, the steps of recording the audio signals to be reproduced along with timing signals, identifying the timed relationship between individual ones of said timing signals and portions of said audio signals with which animation synchronism is desired, storage of animation control data in association with sequence units equal in value to the timing signals so identified, retrieval of said animation data in a sequence determined by the timing signals recorded with the audio signals, and, control of an animated presentation with the animation data so retrieved.
 128. In the method of controlling an animated presentation consisting of acquiring and storing digital animation data and retrieving the data for control of the presentation in synchronism with a reproduced sound recording, the steps of recording the audio signals to be reproduced on a reproducible medium, recording timing signals on the same medium as the audio signals, the timing signals consisting of timing units recorded at a predetermined rate, identifying which timing units are recorded in association with those portions of said audio signals with which animation synchronism is desired, generation of animation data for the control of the animated presentation, storage of the generated data for which animation synchronism is desired along with sequence units equal in value to the previously identified associated timing units, retrieval of the animation data and associated timing units in a sequence determined by reproducing the recorded timing signals, and, control of an animated presentation with the animated data so retrieved.
 129. In a system of selectively retrieving portions of digital data, previously stored in storage devices, in synchronism with the content of a sensed audio signal, the combination comprising means for storing units of digital data, means for sensing a previously reocrded audio signal, and, means controlled by said audio signal sensing means for selectively retrieving units of previously stored digital data as determined by the content of said audio signal.
 130. The combination of claim 129, wherein said controlled means comprises means for generating data retrieval signals in timed relationship to the content of said audio signal, and, means for selecting said portions of digital data to be retrieved on the basis of the content of said retrieval signal.
 131. The combination of claim 130, wherein said selecting means comprises means for searching said previously stored data for those portions having associated units equal to said retrieval signals. 